Bequest Pledge to UB School of Social Work to Provide Scholarships, Help in the Study of Aging

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Longtime supporters of the University at Buffalo, Bernard and Sharon Morton have made a $100,000 bequest pledge to the School of Social Work for scholarships to help graduate students who want to specialize in the field of aging and gerontology.

The Mortons veiw their gift as benefiting students in need while also helping support an increasingly important area of research.

The Morton Family Endowment will provide scholarships to students engaged in graduate studies in the School of Social Work. In the endowment agreement, the Mortons asked that preference be given to those who live in Western New York, and who have "demonstrated the academic capacity to complete the curriculum."

Lawrence Shulman, dean of the School of Social Work, praised the Mortons, noting: "We are indebted to their generosity and vision in contributing to the field of aging and gerontology. Their gift is immeasurable, providing students an opportunity to further their education, while also helping UB expand these areas of study."

The Mortons, who are both retired and live in Florida, remain active by volunteering for several charitable organizations, and pursuing their hobby, traveling, which has taken them to every continent in the world during the past 45 years.

Their gift is part of UB's $250 million campaign; one of the largest ever conducted by a public university in New York and New England. Although it's the fifth major fund-raising campaign conducted by UB, it's the first national/international, the first university-wide campaign, and the first to be alumni-driven with campaign volunteer leaders from all over the country. Funds raised will be used to enrich academic programs, support students ranging from undergraduates to post-doctoral students, and to enhance university life.

For information on how you can support the University at Buffalo, go to http://www.buffalo.edu/giving.